Where the Sun meets the Star

5. Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 5: Unexpected Reunion

Captain Kalix Santiago’s POV

Moving stealthily through the dense undergrowth, I kept my senses sharp, scanning for any signs of movement. The intel told us this rebel group had a makeshift camp somewhere in these mountains, and if we could locate it without being detected, we’d gain a valuable advantage.

The team was in position, and I signaled for Falcon to take point. Lemuel, our sniper, scanned the distance through his scope, his focus unwavering. Tando stayed close, every muscle in his body tense and ready for action, while Yolo adjusted the explosives we might need to create a diversion.

“Remember,” I whispered into my radio, “we need them alive if possible. They have intel on civilian attacks we can’t afford to lose.”

Just as we were about to push further, Zandra’s voice came through the earpiece, softer this time. “Kalix…about Amara. She’s good at her job, but she’s not built for this kind of danger. Make sure she stays safe out there.”

I gritted my teeth, keeping my response professional. “We’re all doing our jobs, Zandra. Focus on the mission.”

But her words hit a nerve. I knew Amara was taking a risk, staying behind to deal with the outbreak, and I couldn’t deny the unease it brought. But right now, my duty was here. I pushed the thought aside, signaling for the team to move in.

“Alright, everyone, on my count.”

Dr. Amara Velasco’s POV

Back at the base, the outbreak situation was worsening by the hour. We’d quarantined the affected villagers, isolating anyone who showed even a hint of symptoms. The virus was relentless, spreading fast and striking hard, and we were racing against time to prevent it from reaching our team.

Nurse Marsha and Nurse Janine were working tirelessly alongside me, administering medication, monitoring vitals, and comforting patients. Every few minutes, I would glance over at Zandra, who kept her face unreadable as she worked through a stack of medical charts.

“Here’s the latest report,” Zandra said abruptly, handing me a clipboard without looking up. “The virus has mutated. It’s not responding to the treatment we initially gave.”

My stomach sank as I skimmed the report. This strain was unlike anything I’d seen. “We’ll need stronger antivirals and containment protocols,” I muttered, my mind racing with contingency plans.

Zandra arched an eyebrow. “You’re in over your head, Dr. Velasco. Handling something this severe isn’t as simple as patching up wounds.”

I resisted the urge to snap back. She was partially right. I hadn’t faced an outbreak of this magnitude before, but I knew my limits. “I’ll handle my team. You focus on yours.”

Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing, moving past me to check another patient. In that moment, it became clear that we weren’t just working against the virus. We were working against time, egos, and the weight of our own insecurities.

Just then, Nurse Janine rushed over, her face pale. “Dr. Velasco, we have another case…one of the villagers in quarantine is deteriorating fast. His fever’s spiked, and he’s delirious.”

I glanced over at Zandra, whose expression was inscrutable. “Let’s go,” I told her, leading the way to the quarantine tent. As we entered, the stench of illness hung heavy in the air, and I couldn’t shake the image of Kalix and his team out in the field, facing an entirely different kind of danger.